JP5837561B2 - Safe blood collection assembly with indicator - Google Patents

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 941,870 filed June 4, 2007 and US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 893,519 filed March 7, 2007. And claims the priority of US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 044,469, filed Mar. 7, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

  The present invention relates generally to a shieldable safety needle assembly and, more particularly, to a needle assembly having a housing, a needle cannula, and a shield that is releasably engaged with a portion of the housing.

  A typical needle assembly has a proximal end, a pointed distal end having a piercing tip, and a lumen therebetween. Often the thermoplastic hub is securely attached to the needle cannula away from the distal end. The hub is typically provided with a threaded outer surface or other surface shape for attaching the needle cannula to another structure. Some needle assemblies are used to collect specimens such as blood and other body fluid specimens directly from the patient.

  Needle assemblies used to collect blood or other body fluid specimens are typically used with a housing. Needle cannulas used with such assemblies typically have a sharp proximal end and a distal end, with the needle hub attached at a position between the ends of the needle cannula. The housing generally has a generally tubular side wall with a wide open proximal end and a partially closed distal end. The hub of the prior art needle assembly can be engaged with the partially closed distal end of the needle holder. Thus, the sharp proximal end of the needle cannula protrudes into the needle holder and engages the vacuum collection tube, while the sharp distal end of the needle cannula is distal to the needle holder. Protrusively into and puncture the patient's skin.

  Needle assemblies are often used with sample collection tubes for collecting blood and other body fluid samples from a patient. The sample collection tube generally includes a closed end, an open end, and a sidewall extending therebetween. The collection tube is generally vacuum and the open end is sealed by a septum that holds the vacuum in the collection tube. The vacuum collection tube is dimensioned so that it can be slid into the open proximal end of the needle holder. By sliding the vacuum collection tube fully into the needle holder, the proximal tip of the needle cannula pierces the septum of the vacuum collection tube. As a result, the cannula with needle is in communication with the inside of the vacuum collection tube.

  When using a combined needle assembly and vacuum collection tube, the sharp distal end of the needle cannula is first inserted into the patient's blood vessel. Once the target vessel is secured, the vacuum collection tube is pushed into the needle holder so that the proximal tip of the needle cannula punctures the complete collection tube. Due to the low pressure in the vacuum collection tube and the patient's own vascular pressure, blood flows from the patient through the needle cannula to the vacuum collection tube. Once a sufficient amount of blood has been collected, the vacuum collection tube may be removed from the needle holder. One or more other vacuum collection tubes may be similarly pushed into the open end of the needle holder to collect one or more other blood samples to be analyzed. Once a sufficient amount of blood has been collected for the required analysis, the needle cannula is withdrawn from the patient. In order to reduce the risk of accidental needle sticks and the possible transmission of pathogens from the patient to the health care professional, the needle cannula after contact with the patient must be properly shielded.

  Various devices can be used to shield the used needle cannula. For example, “Patent Document 1”, “Patent Document 2”, “Patent Document 3”, “Patent Document 4”, “Patent Document 5” are disclosed, and the entire disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. To do. Most shielded needle assemblies are effective in their basic function, namely shielding the used needle cannula. However, many healthcare professionals find it difficult to use currently available shielded needle assemblies. Further, in some cases, the health care professional may be in a hurry and forget to activate the safety shield. In other cases, the patient may move suddenly or unexpectedly. As a result, the needle cannula may be accidentally removed from the vein and exposed, leaving the hemopractitioner to activate the safety shield.

  Another problem with many prior art blood collection devices relates to the time required to confirm the availability of veins. In particular, blood begins to flow out of the cannula as soon as the venous infusion end, or distal end, of the cannula enters the vein. However, the presence of air in the cannula or in the multiple sample sleeve covering the non-patient end of the cannula will block the blood from entering the cannula and flowing. Therefore, a medical worker generally inserts a vacuum sampling tube into the needle holder when he / she has reasonably determined that he has entered the vein. A rubber stopper at the end of the vacuum collection tube deforms the multiple sample collection sleeve above the non-patient end of the cannula and the non-patient end of the cannula enters the vacuum collection tube. The pressure difference between the vacuum collection tube and the cannula causes blood to flow into the vacuum collection tube. In conventional needle assemblies, this is often the first visual confirmation of proper venous access.

  However, there are many cases in which a health care provider mistakenly determines that a vein is not yet in the vein even though the distal end of the needle cannula has been properly secured. In this case, the healthcare worker tries to secure the vein again. This afflicts the patient again, increases the time required for the blood collection procedure, and increases the risk of contact accidents between the cannula and the health care worker once touched the patient's blood. Further, in some cases, when the cannula is removed from the patient, the follow-up shield mechanism is activated and the needle cannula becomes unusable, necessitating medical personnel to prepare a new needle assembly.

US Pat. No. 5,348,544 US Pat. No. 5,242,417 US Pat. No. 6,592,556 US Pat. No. 6,635,032 US Pat. No. 7,001,363 US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0004524 US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0187493

  Visual reversal indicator and a retractable position where the tip of the needle cannula is exposed to an extended position where the tip of the needle cannula is shielded, minimizing the risk of exposure to healthcare professionals and ease of use There is a continuing need for a safety needle assembly that incorporates at least one or both of a highly effective safety shield.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the needle assembly comprises a housing having a distal end and a proximal end engageable with the specimen collection container. The housing has a cannula extending distally from the housing, the cannula having a patient end. A portion of the housing is removably engaged with a cannula shield capable of shielding at least the patient end of the cannula. The cannula shield has safety shield engagement means. The needle assembly further includes a pivoting safety shield that engages a portion of the housing, the pivoting safety shield from the retracted position where the patient end of the cannula is exposed and at least one patient safety end of the cannula being at least one of the safety shields. It can move to the extended position shielded by the part. The safety shield includes at least one locking tab removably engageable with the safety shield engaging means, the locking tab securely engaging a portion of the housing in the extended position.

  In one embodiment, the pivoting safety shield is movable from a restrained position where the locking tab engages the safety shield engaging means to an extended position. By removing the cannula shield from the housing, the pivoting safety shield can be moved from the retracted position to the extended position. Optionally, the housing may further comprise a backflow indicator, and the interior of the cannula may be in fluid communication with the backflow indicator. The backflow indicator may be visible in the retracted position, the pivoting safety shield may be placed around the patient end of the cannula, and the locking tab engages at least a portion of the backflow indicator in the extended position. Also good. Alternatively, the housing may further include a backflow indicator, the cannula interior is in fluid communication with the backflow indicator, the backflow indicator is visible in the retracted position, and the pivoting safety shield is located at the top of the patient end of the cannula. The locking tab engages the distal portion of the backflow indicator of the housing in the extended position.

  In yet another configuration, the housing may have a front hub portion and a rear hub portion connectable to the front hub portion, between which a backflow indicator is defined. Optionally, the safety shield engaging means is a ridge that protrudes back from the outer surface of the cannula shield. The safety shield engaging means may also extend generally longitudinally along the cannula shield. The ridge may have a chamfered edge, and the locking tab may have an engagement surface corresponding to the chamfered edge to provide resistive interference therebetween. Alternatively, the locking tab may have a chamfered edge and the ridge may have an engagement surface corresponding to the edge to provide resistive interference therebetween.

  In yet another configuration, at least one of the ridges engages at least a portion of the locking tab in a detent configuration and restrains the pivoting safety shield with the cannula shield. The detent arrangement may be adapted to resist disengagement until a force is applied to the pivoting safety shield in a manner that allows the pivoting safety shield to be moved from the restrained position to the retracted position. The detent configuration prevents the cannula shield from being unexpectedly removed from the housing. By releasing the detent arrangement, the pivoting safety shield can pivot from the restrained position to the retracted position.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, the needle assembly comprises a distal end, a proximal end, and a cannula extending distally from the housing. The cannula has a patient end. The assembly includes a pivoting safety shield that securely engages a portion of the housing. The safety shield is movable around the cannula from a retracted position where the patient end is exposed to an extended position where the patient end is shielded by at least a portion of the safety shield. The assembly may also include a cannula shield that releasably engages a portion of the housing and shields at least the patient end of the cannula. The cannula shield has safety shield engagement means, the pivoting safety shield is releasably engaged with the safety shield engagement means, and by removing the cannula shield from the housing, the safety shield is moved from the retracted position to the extended position. I can move.

  Optionally, the safety shield engagement means is a ridge that projects from the outer surface of the cannula shield to the back and extends along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the cannula shield. The pivoting safety shield may further comprise at least one tab adapted to releasably engage the ridge. The ridge may have a chamfered edge, and the locking tab may have an engagement surface corresponding to the chamfered edge and provide resistive interference therebetween. At least a portion of the ridge is engageable with at least a portion of the locking tab in the detent configuration and constrains the pivoting safety shield with a cannula shield. The detent arrangement may be configured to resist disengagement until a force is applied to the pivoting safety shield in a manner that allows the pivoting safety shield to move from the restrained position to the retracted position. The detent arrangement may prevent the cannula shield from unintentionally disengaging from the housing, and the cannula shield can be removed from the housing by releasing the detent arrangement. By releasing the detent arrangement, the pivoting safety shield can pivot from the restrained position to the retracted position. In another configuration, the housing includes a backflow indicator and the interior of the cannula is placed in fluid communication with the backflow indicator.

  In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the needle assembly includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, and a cannula extending distally from the housing. The cannula has a patient end. The assembly also includes a cannula shield that removably engages a portion of the housing and has a locking tab receiving structure. The assembly is pivotable safety that engages a portion of the housing and is movable from a retracted position where the patient end of the cannula is exposed to an extended position where the patient end of the cannula is shielded by at least a portion of the safety shield. Provide a shield. The safety shield includes at least one locking tab and the locking tab receiving structure is adapted to receive the locking tab when the pivoting safety shield is in the restrained position.

  The locking tab may extend from the inner wall of the pivoting safety shield. Optionally, the pivoting safety shield is pivotable about the hinge. When the cannula shield is removed from the needle assembly, the safety shield can engage locked with at least one of the cannula or the housing when the safety shield is in the extended position. In another configuration, when the pivoting safety shield is in the restrained position, the locking tab and the locking tab receiving structure force the pivoting safety shield in such a manner that the safety shield can be moved from the restrained position to the retracted position. Resists disengagement until added.

  In other embodiments of the present invention, the blood collection assembly comprises a first subassembly and a second subassembly, the first subassembly having a first portion that is press fit into the second subassembly. The second subassembly has a corresponding second portion that is press fit with the first subassembly. The first subassembly includes a hub having a backflow indicator, the hub having a distal end and a proximal end engageable with the sample collection container. The first subassembly has a cannula extending between the patient end and the non-patient end and defining a cannula interior, the patient end of the cannula projecting at least partially from the distal end of the hub. . The cannula interior is in fluid communication with the backflow indicator. The first subassembly also includes a cannula shield that removably engages the distal end of the hub and shields at least the patient end of the cannula. The first subassembly further engages a portion of the hub and is movable from a retracted position where the patient end is exposed to an extended position where the patient end is shielded by at least a portion of the safety shield. A swivel safety shield is provided. The second subassembly includes a sample collection container, the sample collection container having an interior through which the sample collection container may engage the proximal end of the hub.

  Optionally, the cannula shield has safety shield engagement means, and the safety shield has at least one locking tab that releasably engages the safety shield engagement means. The safety shield engaging means may be a ridge that projects upwardly from the outer surface of the cannula shield and extends along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the cannula shield. At least a portion of the ridge may be engageable with at least a portion of the locking tab in a detent configuration and the safety shield may be constrained with a cannula shield. By releasing the detent arrangement, the safety shield may be able to pivot from the restrained position to the retracted position. By removing the cannula shield from the housing, the safety shield may be movable from the retracted position to the extended position.

  In yet another configuration, the locking tab is releasably engageable with the safety shield engaging means in the restrained position and can be securely engaged with a portion of the housing in the extended position. The means for engaging the first part and the second part may include deflecting at least one of the first part and the second part and providing interference therebetween. In other configurations, the first portion and the second portion may include two-stage press-fit engagement means. The means for engaging the first part and the second part includes a first deflection that provides interference between at least part of at least one of the first part and the second part, and the first part And a second flexure that provides a second interference therebetween at least in part of at least one of the portion and the second portion. At least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion may also have corresponding mating surfaces so as to be threaded therebetween. The press-fit engagement of the first portion of the first subassembly and the second portion of the second subassembly is such that the first subassembly is first when the specimen collection container is engaged with the proximal end of the hub. May prevent it from coming out of the second subassembly.

1 is a perspective view of a needle assembly having a hinged safety shield and a needle protection shield, according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of the needle assembly of FIG. FIG. 2 is a top view of the needle assembly of FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the needle assembly of FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 with the needle protection shield removed and in the retracted position. FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view of the needle assembly of FIG. FIG. 6 is a top view of the needle assembly of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the needle assembly of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the needle assembly of FIG. 5 in an extended position. FIG. 10 is a side view of the needle assembly of FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the needle assembly of FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a safety shield and front hub portion engagement means according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a safety shield and front hub portion engagement means according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a needle assembly having a backflow chamber according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of a needle assembly having the backflow chamber of FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a needle assembly having the backflow chamber of FIG. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a needle assembly having the backflow chamber of FIG. FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the needle assembly of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a needle assembly having a backflow chamber used in connection with a blood collection assembly according to yet another embodiment. FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the needle assembly of FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a needle assembly having a hinged safety shield, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 22 is a perspective view after assembly of the needle assembly of FIG. 21 in a retracted position. FIG. 23 is a side view of the needle assembly of FIG. FIG. 23 is a top view of the needle assembly of FIG. FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the needle assembly of FIG. FIG. 23 is a front view of the needle assembly of FIG. FIG. 23 is a rear view of the needle assembly of FIG. 22; FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the needle assembly of FIG. 6 is another exploded view of a needle assembly having a hinged safety shield according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the needle assembly of FIG. 22 in an extended position. FIG. 31 is a top view of the needle assembly of FIG. 30 in an extended position. FIG. 31 is a side cross-sectional view of the needle assembly of FIG. 30. FIG. 31 is a side view of the needle assembly of FIG. 30 in an extended position. FIG. 31 is a front view of the needle assembly of FIG. 30. FIG. 31 is a rear view of the needle assembly of FIG. 30. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another hinged safety shield shown in an extended position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a needle assembly having a cannula shield and a pivoting safety shield according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 38 is a perspective view after assembly of the needle assembly of FIG. 37 with the cannula shield and safety shield in a restrained position. FIG. 39 is another perspective view of the needle assembly of FIG. 38 with the safety shield in the restrained position. FIG. 39 is a side view of the needle assembly of FIG. 38. FIG. 39 is a top view of the needle assembly of FIG. 38. FIG. 39 is a bottom view of the needle assembly of FIG. 38. FIG. 39 is a front view of the needle assembly of FIG. 38. FIG. 39 is a rear view of the needle assembly of FIG. 38. FIG. 41 is a side cross-sectional view of the needle assembly of FIG. 40. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a needle assembly with a cannula shield and a pivoting safety shield in a restrained position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CXLII-CXLII in FIG. 46. FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the needle assembly of FIG. 38 with the cannula shield and safety shield in the retracted position. FIG. 49 is a side view of the needle assembly of FIG. 48. FIG. 49 is a top view of the needle assembly of FIG. 48. FIG. 49 is a front view of the needle assembly of FIG. 48. FIG. 49 is a side cross-sectional view of the needle assembly of FIG. 48. FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the needle assembly of FIG. 48 with the cannula shield removed and the safety shield in the retracted position. FIG. 54 is another perspective view of the needle assembly of FIG. 53 with the cannula shield removed and the safety shield in the retracted position. FIG. 54 is a side view of the needle assembly of FIG. 53. FIG. 54 is a top view of the needle assembly of FIG. 53. FIG. 54 is a side cross-sectional view of the needle assembly of FIG. 53. FIG. 54 is a side cross-sectional view of the needle assembly of FIG. 53 with the specimen collection container engaged. FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the needle assembly of FIG. 53 with the safety shield in the extended position. FIG. 60 is a side view of the needle assembly of FIG. 59. FIG. 60 is a top view of the needle assembly of FIG. 59. FIG. 60 is a bottom view of the needle assembly of FIG. 59. FIG. 60 is a side cross-sectional view of the needle assembly of FIG. 59. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a needle assembly with a pivoting safety shield in an extended position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CLXIX-CLXIX in FIG. 64. FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CLXX-CLXX in FIG. 64. FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CLXXI-CLXXI in FIG. 64. FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CLXXII-CLXXII in FIG. 64. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a needle assembly having a non-patient cannula shield with a safety shield in a restrained position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 70 is a side cross-sectional view of the needle assembly of FIG. 69 with the safety shield in the retracted position. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first subassembly of a needle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first subassembly of FIG. 71 engaged with a second subassembly. FIG. 73 is a rear view of the first subassembly engaging the second subassembly of FIG. 72. FIG. 74 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CLXXVI-CLXXVI in FIG. 73. FIG. 74 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CLXXVII-CLXXVII in FIG. 73. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first subassembly of a needle assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first subassembly of FIG. 76 engaged with a second subassembly. FIG. 78 is a rear view of the first subassembly engaged with the second subassembly of FIG. 77. FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CLXXXI-CLXXXI in FIG. 78. FIG. 6 is a rear view of a first subassembly engaged with a second subassembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 81 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CLXXXIII-CLXXXIII in FIG. 80. FIG. 6 is a rear view of a first subassembly engaged with a second subassembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 82 taken along line CLXXXV-CLXXXV.

  In general, the needle assembly of the present invention allows for the entry of a patient into a blood vessel by a needle cannula, a visual indication of vessel retention, and subsequent safety shielding of the needle cannula to protect medical personnel.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a needle assembly 30c1 generally shown in FIGS. 1-13 is provided. Needle assembly 30c1 generally moves with a housing having a backflow chamber 60c1 integral therewith, a cannula 32c1 associated with the housing, and a retracted position shown in FIGS. 5-8 to an extended position shown in FIGS. 9-11. And a safety shield 64c1 for safely shielding the cannula 32c1 during and / or after use of the needle assembly 30c1. The needle assembly 30c1 is shown in FIG. 5 in a retracted position, which is in use during a sample collection procedure such as blood collection, and in FIG. 9, in an extended position that shields the cannula after use.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 1-13, needle assembly 30c1 includes a cannula 32c1 having a distal patient end 34c1 and a proximal non-patient end 36c1. As used herein, the term “distal” generally refers to the front end of a needle assembly that is adapted to pierce the patient's skin and enter the patient's blood vessel, and the term “proximal” is generally , Refers to the rear end of the needle assembly 30c1 engageable with the specimen collection container 8003 (shown in FIG. 58). Cannula 32c1 extends between patient end 34c1 and non-patient end 36c1 and has a sidewall defining a cannula interior 35c1. In one embodiment, the cannula 33c1 has a sidewall extending between the patient side 34c1 and the non-patient end 36c1 and defining a cannula interior 35c1. In one embodiment, cannula 32c1 may comprise at least two separate needles, eg, distal patient needle 35c2 and proximal non-patient needle 35c3, both within cannula interior 35c1. Define a common central lumen. In another embodiment, the distal patient needle 35c2 is aligned with the proximal non-patient needle 35c3 along a substantially common axis and is separated from the proximal non-patient needle 35c3 by a break. A proximal non-patient end 36c1 of the cannula 32c1 is provided for puncturing a specimen collection container 8003 (shown in FIG. 58). In one embodiment, the proximal non-patient end 36c1 of the cannula 32c1 may be covered with a multiple sample sleeve having a penetrable elasticity. The distal patient end 34c1 may have a chamfered portion to facilitate puncturing the patient's skin.

  The needle assembly cannula 32c1 may be at least partially supported by a portion of the housing. In one embodiment, the housing may be a hub 58c1 for supporting a portion of the cannula 32c1. For example, the proximal non-patient needle 35c3 and the distal patient-side needle 35c2 may be attached or otherwise glued into the central opening of the hub 58c1, and the proximal non-patient needle 35c3. There is a break between the distal patient needle 35c2. In other configurations, the hub 58c1 may be formed of another element. For example, the proximal or posterior hub portion 3028 may be coupled or attached to the anterior hub portion 3026 such that the hub 58c1 is formed as a unitary structure with the cannula 32c1 extending therebetween.

  As shown in FIGS. 1-11, the housing may have a distal end 35c5 and a proximal end 35c4 engageable with a specimen collection container 8003 (shown in FIG. 58). In this specification, the phrase “engageable with the specimen collection container” means that the specimen collection container may be attached or attached to a part of the proximal end 35c4 of the housing, or the specimen collection container is a housing. Means that it can be passed through or on or around a portion of the proximal end 35c4 of the housing and secured to another portion of the housing. In one embodiment, the proximal end 35c4 of the needle assembly 30c1 is adapted to receive a sample collection container therein and may have a sample collection container receiving port.

  In other embodiments, the needle assembly 30c1 is a specimen collection assembly, such as a blood collection assembly, in which the housing of the needle assembly 30c1 is adjacent to the proximal end 35c4 of the needle assembly 30c1 and the specimen collection container holder 42c1. Is provided. At least a portion of the specimen collection container holder 42c1 may have a radially aligned flange 90 to simplify handling of the needle assembly 30c1. The flange 90 may not be circular for other purposes, such as to prevent the needle assembly 30c1 from rolling or to inform the user that the needle assembly 30c1 is in a predetermined orientation.

  The specimen collection container holder 42c1 may be configured to accommodate at least a part of the cannula 32c1 in a fitting relationship. For example, the specimen collection container holder 42c1 may have engagement means for attaching a part of the cannula 32c1, such as the non-patient end 36c1, through a part of the hub 58c1. The hub 58c1 may be attached to the specimen collection container holder 42c1 by adhesion. In another embodiment, the hub 58c1 may be press-fitted, fitted, or screwed into the sample collection container holder 42c1. Alternatively, the hub 58c1 may be integrally formed with the distal end 35c5 of the specimen collection container holder 42c1, thereby providing a mechanism for attaching the cannula 32c1 directly to the specimen collection container holder 42c1. In certain embodiments, the cannula 32c1 may be coupled with a portion of the specimen collection container holder 42c1 at the time of manufacture to allow medical personnel to use the equipment quickly and conveniently.

  In one configuration, the patient end 34c1 of the cannula 32c1 protrudes at least partially from the distal end of the housing, and the non-patient end 36c1 extends generally proximally from the patient end 34c1. In another embodiment, the distal patient needle 35c2 protrudes at least partially from the distal end of the housing, and the proximal non-patient needle 35c3 extends generally proximally from the patient needle.

  At least a part of the housing including the hub 58c1 and the specimen collection container holder 42c1 has a backflow chamber 60c1. As used herein, the term “backflow chamber” is a cavity through which a sample such as blood from a patient passes, from which medical personnel can visually confirm that the sample is present in the cavity. . The backflow chamber 60c1 may be formed integrally with a part of the housing, or may be formed separately from a part of the housing and then attached. In one embodiment, the cannula interior 35c1 is in fluid communication with the backflow chamber 60c1. In another embodiment, the side wall of the cannula 32c1 extends between the cannula interior 35c1 and the backflow chamber 60c1, and an opening is defined in the side wall to allow an analyte such as blood to flow from the cannula 32c1 to the backflow chamber 60c1. Also good. In another embodiment, the cannula 32c1 includes a distal patient needle 35c2 in fluid communication with the reflux chamber 60c1 and a proximal non-patient needle 35c3 in fluid communication with the reflux chamber 60c1. Thus, when the proximal patient needle 35c2 is advanced into the patient's blood vessel, blood flows from the patient through the distal patient needle 35c2 into the backflow chamber 60c1. When the proximal non-patient needle 35c3 engages the vacuum sample collection container 8003 shown in FIG. 58, blood flows from the backflow chamber 60c1 through the proximal non-patient needle.

  In one embodiment, the interior of the hub 58c1 may be between a portion of the rear hub portion 3028 and a portion of the front hub portion 3026. The backflow chamber 60c1 may be formed in at least a part of the inside of the hub 58c1. In one configuration, the hub 58c1 or at least a portion of the hub 58c1, eg, the front hub portion 3026, may be constructed of a transparent or translucent material such as a polymer material or resin. Alternatively, the backflow chamber 60c1 may be integrally formed in another part of the housing, for example, may be integrally formed with the specimen collection container holder 42c1.

  In use, blood flowing from the patient through the cannula 32c1 enters the backflow chamber 60c1 through the opening of the cannula 32c1, thereby filling a portion of the backflow chamber 60c1 with blood. The backflow chamber 60c1 provides a visual means for the medical staff to confirm the securing of veins. An example of the backflow indicator is described in, for example, “Patent Document 6”.

  As shown in FIGS. 14-20, another backflow chamber may include a discharge mechanism in communication with the external environment around the needle assembly, where the needle assembly has a backflow chamber with a discharge plug. The outlet plug may be sealed when blood flows into the backflow chamber so that compressed air that may be generated in the chamber flows in the opposite direction toward the cannula inlet. It is forbidden. As shown in FIGS. 14-20, in the present application, a similar outlet plug is a housing in which the outlet plug divides the housing into two chambers having a size and dimensions that establish a predetermined volume. It is thought that it may be installed in the inside. Furthermore, if the outlet plug is made of a porous material, blood remains permeated and does not seal even when it comes into contact with blood. Preferably, the blood does not come into contact with the outlet plug when it first shows backflow, and such a seal occurs at a later time during use of the assembly, as will be described in detail later.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 14-17, the porous material outlet is located in the housing and the outlet divides the housing into two chambers of a size and dimensions that ensure a predetermined capacity. When showing the initial backflow, the blood may not come into contact with the porous material outlet, but may come into contact at a later time during use of the assembly, as will be described in detail later.

  As shown in FIGS. 14-17, needle assembly 410 includes a liquid intake end or first end 414 and a housing 412 having a liquid discharge end or second end 416. Needle assembly 410 includes an outer wall 418 that defines the interior of the housing. The outer wall 418 extends generally longitudinally at the first end 414 to form a long longitudinal first portion 419 having a first diameter. At the second end 416, the outer wall 418 forms a second portion 421 having a second diameter that is generally longer than the first diameter of the first portion 419. Accordingly, the housing 412 may form a structure having a substantially T-shaped cross section. The outer wall 418 of the second end 416 is another element 428 that can be attached to the body 430 forming the housing 412 and may facilitate the manufacture and assembly of the needle assembly 410. The first portion 419 and the second portion 421 can be arranged in various ways with respect to each other, as described herein, as long as they can function to transport air between them.

  Needle assembly 410 further includes a fluid intake cannula 436 extending from first end 414 of housing 412. The fluid intake cannula 436 may include an outer end 439 that defines a sharp bevel at the patient puncture tip 438 and may extend into the first end 414 of the housing 412 and be fixedly mounted therein. The fluid intake cannula 436 is further characterized by a generally cylindrical lumen that extends between the ends and communicates with the interior of the housing 412.

  Needle assembly 410 also includes a non-patient piercing tip extending from second end 414 of housing 412. As shown in FIG. 16, this may be achieved by providing the needle assembly 410 with a second cannula in the form of a fluid drainage cannula 452. In particular, the end of fluid drainage cannula 452 may define a sharp bevel that forms a non-patient piercing tip 462. The fluid drainage cannula 452 may extend into the second end 416 of the housing 412 and be fixedly mounted therein. The fluid drainage cannula 452 is further characterized by a generally cylindrical lumen that communicates with the interior of the housing 412. The fluid drainage cannula 452 is mounted within the housing 412 such that the inner end 464 passes substantially coaxially therein and the fluid drainage cannula 452 is generally axially aligned with the inner end of the intake cannula 436. Preferably, this attaches the fluid drainage cannula 452 at a location adjacent the second end 416 of the housing 412 such that the inner end 464 of the fluid drainage cannula 452 is adjacent to the inner end 439 of the intake cannula 436 within the housing 412. It is realized by attaching it so that it extends to the position. Further, the inner end 464 of the fluid drainage cannula 452 is spaced a short distance from the inner end 439 of the intake cannula 436 so that blood flows into the backflow chamber 426 in the vicinity of the fluid drainage cannula 452 between them in the axial direction. A gap is formed. The distance that forms an axial gap between the inner end 464 of the fluid drainage cannula 452 and the inner end 439 of the intake cannula 436 allows blood to flow into the backflow chamber 426 based on the patient's blood pressure after venipuncture. It is enough distance. In certain embodiments, inconsistent backflow may occur if the axial gap is less than 0.5 mm.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the fluid intake cannula 436 and the fluid discharge cannula 452 can provide both a desired blood flow within the assembly 410 and an effective backflow indication within the housing 412. And have such dimensions. In particular, the wall 418 of the housing 412 is dimensioned to provide a radial gap of the fluid discharge cannula 452 of about 0.2 mm in the peripheral region of its inner end 464. This gap creates a substantial laminar flow of blood in the backflow chamber 426 and prevents hemolysis. Further, the small radial gap between the inner surface of the wall 418 and the fluid drainage cannula 452 in the region around the inner end 464 causes the blood droplet to spread thinly through the radial gap in the backflow chamber 426. With a very small amount of blood, an exaggerated reflux indicator can be provided. Thus, when blood first appears within the backflow chamber 426, an easy visual backflow indicator is quickly realized. In this application, it is contemplated that the inner end 464 of the drainage cannula 452 may be partially supported within the housing 412 as long as blood flow to the backflow chamber 426 is achieved near the inner end 464.

  In another configuration, a single cannula is used. Such an arrangement is depicted in the embodiment of FIGS. 19-20 (shown with a blood collection assembly, described in detail herein). In such a configuration, the fluid intake and fluid discharge cannulas form a single cannula 470 having a patient puncture tip 438, a non-patient puncture tip 462, and a lumen 442 extending therebetween, the cannula 470 The main body is firmly attached to a part of the housing 412 and extends over the entire housing 412. A portion of the cannula 470 extending through the housing 412 has one or more openings, such as slots or holes 444, in which the lumen 442 and the backflow chamber 436 are in communication. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19-20, two separate holes 444 are shown on both ends of the cannula 470, but openings or holes 444 are provided to allow blood to flow into the backflow chamber 436. It is considered that any number can be provided.

  Returning to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-17, the needle assembly 410 further includes a sealable sleeve 461 attached to the fluid discharge end 416 of the housing 412. This may be accomplished by mounting a mounting projection 429 on the second end 416 of the housing 412, eg, the element 328, and the sealable sleeve 461 is frictionally mounted over the projection 429. Others can be attached. Sealable sleeve 461 covers non-patient puncture tip 462 at the outer end of fluid drainage cannula 452 when sealable sleeve 461 is in an unbiased state. However, the sealable sleeve 461, as is known in the art, allows the outer end of the fluid drainage cannula 452 to allow the vacuum collection tube stopper to pass through both the sealable sleeve 461 and the vacuum collection tube stopper. When pressure is applied to push 460, it breaks.

  The embodiment of FIGS. 14-17 further includes a porous outlet 402 disposed within the interior of the housing 412. Porous outlet 402, within housing 412, moves housing 412 into two separate chambers: a first chamber represented by backflow chamber 426 and a second chamber represented by secondary chamber 427. , To be divided into The porous outlet 402 may be made of a suitable material as described above with respect to the outlet plug 900, although no hydrophilic material that expands upon contact is used. In this way, the porous discharge port 402 is configured to discharge air and represents a porous structure having a plurality of holes through which blood can pass. As described in more detail herein, during use of the needle assembly 410, the internal holes in the porous outlet 402 are at least due to the negative pressure established in the secondary chamber 427. Partially filled with blood. The combination of the hole filled in this way and the negative pressure inside the secondary chamber 427 prevents air from flowing between the secondary chamber 427 and the backflow chamber 426, and the porous material discharge port 402 Provides fluid resistance of blood.

  Preferably, the porous outlet 402 is disposed in the housing 412 between the first portion 419 and the second portion 421. As such, the first portion 419 of the housing 412 essentially defines a backflow chamber 426 and the second portion 421 of the housing 412 essentially defines a secondary chamber 427. Alternatively, the porous outlet 402 may be formed within the housing 412, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 19-20, with the first diameter of the first portion 419 and the second of the second portion 421. You may install in the position concerning a change part between diameters. In any case, the porous outlet 402 is generally a cylindrical member, with a central opening therein axially surrounding a portion of the cannula, particularly the fluid outlet cannula 452.

  The internal volume of the housing 412 is defined by the sum of the volume of the backflow chamber 426 and secondary chamber 427 and the volume of the hole in the porous outlet 402. Such internal volume is configured to provide specific attributes to the needle assembly 410, and in particular, during use of the needle assembly 410, when a vacuum collection tube is attached to the needle assembly 410, a negative pressure is introduced therein. To establish, an attribute is provided regarding the ability of the secondary chamber 427 to at least partially exhaust some of the air therein. Such negative pressure in the secondary chamber 427 causes blood to flow from the hole in the porous outlet 402 based on when the blood contacts the porous outlet 402 and partially fills the hole. Is sucked. In another embodiment of the present invention, the overall internal volume of the housing 412 may be from about 300 mm3 to about 400 mm3. Such volumes are known in the art for needles for conventional venipuncture to collect a blood sample from a patient using a needle cannula with a conventional gauge for venipuncture. It is particularly beneficial for the intended application using the assembly 410. With such an internal volume, the porous outlet 402 preferably includes a backflow chamber in the housing, including the volume of the secondary chamber 427 and the volume of the hole in the outlet 402 with porous material. 426 is arranged to define a backflow chamber 426 having a volume corresponding to about 5 percent to about 20 percent of the total volume of the housing 412, preferably about 7 percent to about 12 percent of the total volume of the housing 412. Due to the ratio of the backflow chamber 426 to the total volume of the housing 412, the volume of the backflow chamber 426 is sufficient to properly visualize the initial backflow, and preferably the secondary chamber 427 due to venous pressure. Pressure is first generated in the tube and the blood is pushed into the backflow chamber 426 to prevent the blood from fully contacting the porous outlet 402 at the time of the initial venipuncture. Such a volume ratio is effective for the intended application described herein, where blood flowing into the backflow chamber 426 at the original venipuncture does not contact the porous outlet 402 and the vacuum blood collection tube Is attached to the needle assembly 410, at least a portion of the air is aspirated out of the secondary chamber 427. In this manner, the secondary chamber 427 can be moved from the backflow chamber 426 and from the fluid intake cannula 436 to the secondary chamber 427 as the patient puncture tip 438 is withdrawn from the patient and exposed to the external environment. For example, blood can be effectively sucked into the porous discharge port 402 through the porous discharge port 402. In one specific embodiment, the total internal volume of the housing 412 is about 380 mm 3, of which the back flow chamber 426 has a volume of about 30 mm 3, the secondary chamber 427 has a volume of about 300 mm 3, and the porous material outlet 402 The capacity of the hole is about 50 mm 3.

  Needle assembly 410 may be assembled as follows. The fluid intake cannula 436 has a first inner portion 439 disposed in the inner portion of the housing 412 at the first portion 419 and the piercing tip 438 of the patient extending out of the first end 414. Positioned through one end 414. The fluid discharge cannula 452 is positioned in the housing 412 from the opposite end, with an open inner end 464 in the inner portion of the housing 412 of the first portion 419, near the inner end 439 of the fluid intake cannula 436. With a slight gap so that the non-patient piercing tip extends out of the second end 416. Fluid intake cannula 436 and fluid discharge cannula 452 may be attached therein in a well-known manner, for example, using a medical adhesive.

  In another embodiment having only a single cannula 470, such a cannula 470 is positioned in the housing 412 with an opening 472 within the housing 412 in the first portion 419 and the patient puncture tip 438 is The first end 414 extends out and the non-patient piercing tip 462 extends out of the second end 416.

  Next, the porous material outlet 402 is inserted into the housing 412 and positioned around the fluid outlet cannula 452 (or around the single cannula 470), after which the element 428 is attached to the second end 416. , Surrounding the interior of the housing 412. A sealable sleeve 461 is then attached over the protrusion 429. Accordingly, the interior of the housing 412 is isolated from the external environment, and the only path for fluid communication between the interior of the housing 412 and the external environment is provided only by the patient puncture tip 438.

  The needle assembly 410 assembled as described above can be used in connection with the blood collection tube holder 403, as depicted in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19-20.

  In use, a needle collection holder 403 may be attached to the needle assembly 410. The patient's skin is punctured with a patient puncture tip 438 and inserted into the patient's blood vessel, preferably a vein. Venipuncture creates a closed environment within the housing 412, which is a completely closed structure of the housing 412, and a sealable sleeve 461 is the only outlet of the housing 412 (ie, fluid draining cannula 452. ) Is closed. Depending on the patient's blood pressure, blood flows from the patient puncture tip 438 into the fluid intake cannula 436 and from the inner end 439 (or through the opening 472 in the embodiment of FIGS. 19-20), the inner end 464 of the fluid drainage cannula 452. Flows into the backflow chamber 426 surrounding the. The transparent or translucent nature of the housing allows visualization of the blood in the backflow chamber 426, indicating that a venipuncture has been performed.

  Since the interior of the housing 412 is a closed environment, the flow of blood to the backflow chamber 426 causes air to flow out of the interior of the housing, i. Air trapped in cannula 452 and trapped in this manner is somewhat compressed therein. The backflow chamber 426 and the secondary chamber 427, in terms of their size and dimensions, allow blood to flow into the backflow chamber 426 by the original venipuncture due to its volume, but in the hole of the outlet 402 by the porous material. The generation of air pressure in the secondary chamber 427 prevents blood from making sufficient contact with the porous material outlet 402, and preferably the blood is even partially porous by the original venipuncture. It is comprised so that it may not contact with the discharge port 402 by a quality material.

  After the initial venipuncture and backflow visualization as described above, a specimen collection container having a negative pressure therein, such as a vacuum blood collection tube (not shown) generally known in the art, is inserted into the tube holder 403. To do. Such a vacuum container stopper (not shown) contacts and displaces the sealable sleeve 461 so that the non-patient puncture tip 462 punctures the sealable sleeve 461 and the vacuum container stopper. To do. At this point, fluid communication is established between the non-patient puncture tip 462 and the interior of the vacuum blood collection container. Due to the negative pressure in the vacuum blood collection container, blood collected in the backflow chamber 426 is sucked into the fluid discharge cannula 452 and the vacuum blood collection container. Together with the blood in the backflow chamber 426, the negative pressure in the vacuum blood collection container causes at least a portion of the air from the backflow chamber 426 and from the secondary chamber 427 to pass through the holes in the outlet 402 with the porous material. Through and into the vacuum blood collection container and draw into it. Further, by closely aligning the fluid drainage cannula 452 and the fluid intake cannula 426, blood is aspirated from the fluid intake cannula 436 and from the patient, while at the same time such air is secondary to the backflow chamber 426. Aspirated from chamber 427.

  Such air suction reduces the pressure inside the backflow chamber 426 and the secondary chamber 427, and establishes a negative pressure within it for the patient's blood flow and for the external environment. This negative pressure established within the housing 412, particularly within the backflow chamber 426 and secondary chamber 427, causes more blood to flow from the fluid intake cannula 436 and the patient into the backflow chamber 426, and the blood is porous. It contacts the material discharge port 402. When such blood fills the backflow chamber 426, the blood is in full contact with the surface of the porous outlet 402 and spreads within the backflow chamber 426 and begins to fill the holes in the porous material outlet 402. As described above, when the hole of the porous discharge port 402 at the interface between the porous discharge port 402 and the backflow chamber 426 is filled, the porous discharge port 402 is closed and air does not flow therethrough. Does not function as a perfect seal, blood does not expand the material of the porous outlet 402, and does not block the air, simply physically vacating the void in the porous outlet 402 It only satisfies. In addition, because some of the air in the secondary chamber 427 is drawn from the secondary chamber 427, the secondary chamber 427 becomes a closed chamber of negative pressure with respect to the external environment. Yes. Accordingly, the secondary chamber 427 continues to draw the holes in the porous outlet 402 and the blood in the backflow chamber 426 from the holes in the porous outlet 402 toward the secondary chamber 427. And the pores of the porous outlet 402 at the interface of the backflow chamber 426 are filled with blood so that no air flows from the secondary chamber 427 in the opposite direction, resulting in fullness. By the hole, the air flow from the porous discharge port 402 is efficiently prevented. The suction generated by the negative pressure in the secondary chamber 427 is a fluid resistance due to the fact that the hole of the porous outlet 420 is filled with blood and the tortuous path formed by the hole of the porous outlet 402. Therefore, blood is aspirated gradually with low fluid motion.

  At this point, both the vacuum collection container and the secondary chamber 427 are in negative pressure with respect to the external environment (and with respect to the patient's blood flow), and therefore both affect suction from the fluid intake cannula 436. This effect essentially equilibrates the backflow chamber 426 so that blood in the backflow chamber 426 passes through the hole in the porous outlet 402 to the secondary chamber 427 and also into the vacuum collection container (fluid. Through the intake cannula 436) and remains essentially stable in the backflow chamber 426. Due to the negative pressure of the vacuum collection container, blood is aspirated directly from the patient through the fluid intake cannula 436 because the liquid drainage cannula 452 and the liquid intake cannula 436 are closely aligned and within the backflow chamber 426. Due to the equilibrium state established (based on the suction force in the opposite direction between the vacuum collection vessel and the vacuum chamber 427). When blood continuously flows into the sample collection container, the pressure in the collection container gradually increases.

  Once the vacuum collection container is filled with the desired blood volume, the container is removed from the non-patient puncture tip 462 and there is no fluid communication between the non-patient puncture tip 462 and the vacuum collection container, at which time the sealable sleeve Attach 461 to the non-patient puncture tip 462 and close it. If there is no suction as described above from the negative pressure of the vacuum collection tube, the blood in the backflow chamber 426 is slightly sucked from the hole of the discharge port 402 by the porous material due to the negative pressure in the secondary chamber 427. However, since the blood flow path through the hole of the porous discharge port 402 is winding, such suction is slowly generated little by little.

  Thereafter, another vacuum collection container can be inserted into the tube holder 403 and used for sample collection through the non-patient puncture tip 462 as described above. In this case, the second vacuum collection container is used as the holder. By installing in 403 and puncturing the stopper as described above, fluid communication is established between the non-patient puncture tip 462 and the inside of the vacuum collection container. In such additional specimen collection, both the vacuum collection container and the secondary chamber 427 are under negative pressure, so that both draw from the fluid intake cannula 436. As described above, this effect basically establishes an equilibrium in the backflow chamber 426 so that the blood in the backflow chamber 426 is directed (through the porous material outlet 402) toward the secondary chamber 427. Or being sucked into it. The negative pressure of the vacuum collection container draws blood directly from the patient through the fluid intake cannula 436, as described above, because the fluid discharge cannula 452 and the fluid intake cannula 426 are closely aligned. is there. Once another vacuum collection container as described above is filled with the desired amount of blood, removing the container from the non-patient puncture tip 462 will release fluid communication between the non-patient puncture tip 462 and the vacuum collection container. Therefore, the non-patient puncture tip 462 is covered and closed with a sealable sleeve 461.

  Once all of the desired blood sample has been aspirated in this manner, the opening of the patient puncture tip 438 is exposed to the external environment to remove the patient puncture tip 438 from the patient's blood vessel. Since the only communication path between the interior of the housing and the external environment is through the patient's puncture tip 438, the internal pressure of the secondary chamber 427 is negative with respect to the external environment so that the backflow chamber 426 and fluid Blood remaining in the intake cannula 436 is gradually aspirated through the porous material outlet 402. This suction effect causes all blood in the fluid intake cannula 436 to move away from the patient puncture tip 438 and prevent blood from leaking out of the patient puncture tip 438 to the fluid intake cannula 436. Is done. Due to the continued presence of such negative pressure in the secondary chamber 427, even after the patient puncture tip 438 has been removed from the patient, the effect of suction through the porous material outlet 402 for a small amount of time is prolonged. Subsequently, any blood remaining in the fluid intake cannula 436 and the backflow chamber 426 may be aspirated into the porous material outlet 402 and / or into the secondary chamber 427. Needle assembly 410 can then be properly disposed of in a known manner. It is contemplated that the backflow chamber 426 described herein with respect to FIGS. 14-20 can be utilized in any of the other embodiments of the present application.

  Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-13, a needle assembly 30c1 having a hinged safety shield 64c1 is shown. Needle assembly 30c1 generally includes a needle structure 32c1 associated with needle holder 42c1 and a safety shield 64c1 adapted to safely shut off needle structure 32c1 after use of the equipment. Needle assembly 30c1 further includes a hub 58c1 for supporting needle structure 32c1 and backflow indicator 60c1 defined therein, as described above.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-13, the safety shield 64c1 may have a first subordinate arm 3000 and a second subordinate arm 3002 substantially parallel to the first subordinate arm 3000. The first subordinate arm 3000 and the second subordinate arm 3002 are connected to each other by a connection surface 3004 that is substantially perpendicular to the first subordinate arm 3000 and the second subordinate arm 3002. Safety shield 64c1 has a proximal end 3006 adjacent to needle holder 42c1 and a distal end 3008 opposite the proximal end 3006. At least a portion of the proximal end 3006 of the safety shield 64c1 is pivotally connected to the needle holder 42c1. Preferably, the proximal end 3006 of the safety shield 46c1 is connected to the needle holder 42c1 by two opposing pivots 3010. In another embodiment, the safety shield 64c1 extends through opposing mounting arms 3014 that are coupled to the front cone 3012 and extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the needle holder 42c1 by the pivot 3010 of the needle holder 42c1. It is pivotally attached to the front cone 3012.

  The pivot 3010 causes the safety shield 64c1 to pivot pivotally from the retracted position shown in FIGS. 5-8 to the extended position shown in FIGS. 9-11 so as to rotate with respect to the needle holder 42c1. In one embodiment, the safety shield 64c1 may also have a shield engagement region 3016 near the proximal end 3006 in the coupling surface 3004, which region may include the outer surface 3018 and the needle holder 42c1. It has a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the outer surface 3018 of the front cone 3012. In this configuration, the shield engagement region 3016 is placed on a part of the needle holder 42c1 at the retracted position.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the hub 58 c 1 may have a front hub portion 3026 and a rear hub portion 3028 coupled to the front hub portion 3026. The front hub portion 3026 is generally conical and may be disposed near the backflow indicator 60c1. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the forward hub portion 3026 extends distally beyond the forward cone 3012 of the needle holder 42c1. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the front hub portion 3026 has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the front cone 3012 of the needle holder 42c1. The rear hub portion 3028 of the hub 58c1 may have a disk structure sized to contact the inner periphery of the needle holder 42c1, thereby preventing further advancement of the vacuum blood collection tube (not shown). . At least a portion of the needle structure 32c1 may extend into the front hub portion 3026 and the rear hub portion 3028 of the hub 58c1. The hub 58c1 may be installed as an integral element within the harvesting assembly, but as an alternative, the hub 58c1 may be separately formed with the needle structure 32c1, including the front hub portion 3026 and the rear hub portion 3028, It may be assembled inside the collection assembly 30c1.

  In one embodiment, the needle assembly 301 includes a removable venous needle shield 3020 that covers at least a portion of the needle structure 32c1, for example, so as to cover at least a portion of the distal needle portion 34c1. Also good. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the needle shield 3020 spans at least a portion of the forward hub portion 3026 of the hub 58c1, the forward cone 3012 of the needle holder 42c1, the backflow indicator 60c1 and / or the hub 58c1. It can be a size. Needle shield 3020 can be removed from needle assembly 30c1 prior to use by common hand applied pressure.

  Referring again to FIG. 4, in another embodiment, the needle shield 302 can be provided with a raised protrusion 3022 disposed on the outer surface 3024 of the needle shield 3020. In one embodiment, the raised protrusions 3022 are disposed along the circumference around the needle shield 3020. In another embodiment, the raised protrusion 3022 corresponds to the notch 3010 in the safety shield 64c1, and the needle shield 3020 is removed from the needle assembly 30c1 until the safety shield 64c1 is positioned in the retracted position shown in FIGS. 5-8. There is no possibility of accidents coming off.

  The safety shield 64c1 pivots so that the safety shield 64c1 moves away from the needle structure 32c1 in the retracted position shown in FIG. 5-8, and in the extended position as shown in FIG. The patient can be sized and sized to be suitable for being able to pierce and pivot toward the tip of the needle structure 32c1, particularly the distal needle portion 34c1, to shield it. In one embodiment, safety shield 64c1 can be pivoted away from the axis of needle structure 32c1 at an angle sufficient to allow medical personnel to view backflow indicator 60c1 and / or hub 58c1 in the retracted position. In another embodiment, safety shield 64c1 is formed of a transparent and / or translucent material to allow medical personnel to view backflow indicator 60c1 and / or hub 58c1.

  Once the distal needle portion 34c1 is withdrawn from the patient, the needle assembly 30c1 may move from the retracted position to the extended position. In one embodiment, the first slave arm 3000 and the second slave arm 3002 of the safety shield 64c1 are locked by press fitting with at least a portion of the front hub portion 3026, the front cone 3012 and / or the needle holder 42c1. You may comprise as follows. This prevents the safety shield from returning to the retracted position once it has moved from the retracted position to the extended position. As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the first subordinate arm 3000 and the second subordinate arm 300 are each an angle-shaped restraining means installed adjacent to the pivot 3010 at the proximal end 3006 of the safety shield 64c1. 3032 may be included. The mountain-shaped restraining means 3032 has an inclined surface 3036 and a restraining surface 3038. The front hub portion 3026 may also have a plurality of ledges 3034 that engage with the chevron-shaped restraining means 3032. In one embodiment, when the safety shield 64c1 of the needle assembly 30c1 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position, the angled restraining means 3032 of the safety shield 64c1 engages the ledge 3034 of the front hub portion 3026. In particular, restraining surface 3038 engages ledge 3034 and prevents further movement of safety shield 64c1. In one embodiment, the ledge 3034 is disposed at the distal end 3050 of the hub 58c1. In another embodiment, the chevron-shaped restraining means 3032 is disposed at a location distal from the pivot 3010 on the safety shield 64c1 correspondingly with the ledge 3034 of the distal end 3050 of the hub 58c1. Is done. Alternatively, the front cone 3012 may also have a plurality of ledges 3034a for engaging the angled restraining means 3032 of the safety shield 64c1. In yet another embodiment, the chevron-shaped restraining means 3032 may be located on the upper side 3052 of the safety shield 64c1 and extend in a proximal direction from the pivot 3010. Therefore, the engagement between the safety shield 64c1 and the hub 58c1 is performed on the upper side 3052 (lower side) of the needle assembly 30c1. Movement of the chevron-shaped restraining means 3032 on the ledge 3034 is generally performed by applying pressure by hand. As shown in FIG. 13, the safety shield 64c1 may optionally include a biasing element 3040 for further securing the front hub portion 3026 within the safety shield 64c1. Accordingly, the locking structure of the safety shield 64c1 engages at least a portion of the backflow chamber defined in the hub 58c1. In one embodiment, the locking structure of safety shield 64c1 engages at least a portion of a housing, such as hub 58c1, at a location distal to the backflow chamber.

  Figures 21-35 illustrate another hinged assembly embodiment of the present invention. The needle assembly 5000 shown in FIGS. 21-27 generally includes a needle structure 32c2 associated with the hub 58c2, a safety shield 64c2 coupled to the hub 58c2 and adapted to safely shield the needle structure 32c2 after use of the equipment; Is provided. In one embodiment, the needle assembly 5000 may have features of other known needle assemblies having a hinged safety shield, such as that disclosed in US Pat.

  Needle structure 32bc2 may include a distal needle portion 5002 and a proximal needle portion 5004. Distal needle portion 5002 and proximal needle portion 5004 may be separate needles, both of which are needle cannulas that extend through a central lumen 5006 extending therethrough. Proximal needle portion 5004 is the non-patient end of needle structure 32bc2, which is provided for puncturing a vacuum blood collection tube (not shown). Proximal needle portion 5004 may be covered by an elastic multi-sample collection sleeve 5008 that can be punctured with a sharp tip of proximal needle portion 5004 of needle structure 32bc2. The distal needle portion 5002 is the patient-side end of the needle structure 32c2 and is tilted to define a puncture tip for puncturing the patient's skin and entering the patient's blood vessel.

  The hub 58c2 may have a front hub portion 5010 and a rear hub portion 5012 in which the needle structure 32c2 can be supported. In one embodiment, the distal needle portion 5002 may be integral with the forward hub portion 5010 and the proximal needle portion 5002 may be integral with the forward hub portion 5010 and proximal. Needle portion 5004 may be integral with rear hub portion 5012. The front hub portion 5010 and the rear hub portion 5012 are structured to be engaged by fitting. The front hub portion 5010 may have a protrusion 5014 that is integral with the rear hub portion 5012 and engages a corresponding recess 5016, such as a raised annular ring. In another embodiment, the front hub portion 5010 and the rear hub portion 5012 may be joined by adhesive or welding. In the assembled hub 58c2, as described above, the backflow indicator 60c2 is defined therein.

  The hub 58c2 may further include a collar 5018 that supports at least a portion of the safety shield 64c2, such as the pivot 5020 of the safety shield 64c2, as described above. In one embodiment, the front hub portion 5010 has a first collar portion 5022 and the rear hub portion 5012 has a second collar portion 5024. The first collar portion 5022 may have a substantially C-shaped region 5028 for accommodating the mounting bearing 5026 of the safety shield 64c2, as shown in FIGS. The mounting bearing 5026 may be integrated with the safety shield 64c2. The mounting bearing 5026 may be integral with a portion of the hub 58c2, such as the first collar portion 5022 and / or the second collar portion 5024. Alternatively, mounting bearing 5026 may be provided separately and then assembled with safety shield 64c2 and / or hub 58c2. The mounting bearing 5026 can extend between the first slave arm 5044 and the second slave arm 5026 of the safety shield 64c2, as shown in FIG. The second collar portion 5024 may have a cap region 5030 having an inner surface 50932 that substantially corresponds to the mounting bearing 5026 for the safety shield 64c2. The first collar portion 5022 may have a protrusion 5034 that is integral with the second collar portion 5024 and engages a corresponding recess 5036. Thus, in one embodiment, the engagement of the front hub portion 5020 and the rear hub portion 5012 also engages the first collar portion 5022 and the second collar portion 5024. In another embodiment, the collar 5018 is positioned on the top surface of the hub 58c2 such that the safety shield 64c2 is similarly coupled to the top surface of the hub 58c2.

  Referring again to FIGS. 21-27, the proximal IV needle shield 5038 and the distal IV needle shield 5040 are respectively disposed on the proximal needle portion 5004 and the distal needle portion 5002 prior to use, as described above. can do.

  In use, the proximal IV needle shield 5038 can be removed from the proximal needle portion 5004, and the needle holder 42c2 is placed over the proximal needle portion 5004, as shown in FIGS. 29-35, Engages with at least a portion of the hub 58c2. In one embodiment, needle holder 42c2 engages a portion of rear hub portion 5012.

  In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the safety shield mounting bearing 5026 may have a notch 5042 to hold the safety shield 64c2 in a particular position. For example, the notch 5042 may frictionally hold the safety shield 64c2 in the collar 5018 at a particular angle in the retracted position. This allows medical personnel to position the safety shield 64c2 at a desired angle without the safety shield 64c2 closing or slipping unexpectedly during a medical procedure.

  As shown in FIGS. 29-35, the needle assembly 30c2 is distal from the retracted position shown in FIG. 28 where the shield is removed for insertion of the distal needle portion 5002 into the patient, as described herein. The side needle portion 5002 can be moved to an extended position where it can be safely shielded so as not to be exposed. Referring to FIGS. 21-35, in another embodiment, the safety shield 64c2 may be applied to the patient's skin after the health care worker pivots the safety shield 64c2 to engage a portion of the proximal IV shield 5038. It may have an area to be pressed with the thumb so as to puncture. In one embodiment, the thumb compression area 64c2a extends at least partially beyond the safety shield 64c2 so that the healthcare worker can easily contact the thumb compression area 64c2a with one finger or thumb. .

  In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 36, the harvesting assembly 130w may comprise a safety shield 64w, the safety shield being substantially parallel to the first slave arm 132w and the first slave arm 132w. There may be a first end 138w having a second dependent arm 134w. The first dependent arm 132w and the second dependent arm 134w may be connected to each other. The first dependent arm 132w and the second dependent arm 134w have substantially the same area. The safety shield 64w has an end 140w connected to the needle holder 42w by at least one pivot 142w. Preferably, the end 140w of the safety shield 64w is connected to the needle holder 42w by two pivots 142w. An example of the turning mechanism is described in “Patent Document 7”.

  In one embodiment, the pivot 142w has a protrusion integrally formed with the second end 140w of the safety shield 64w and a corresponding recess defined at the distal end of the needle holder 42w. May be. In another embodiment, the pivot 142w has a recess defined in the second end 140w of the safety shield 64w and a corresponding recess defined in the distal end of the needle holder 42w. It may be. In yet another embodiment, the first pivot 142w can be disposed on the first side of the distal end of the needle holder 42w and the second pivot 142w is a second of the distal end of the needle holder 42w. The first and second sides of the needle holder 42w are substantially opposite to each other. The pivot 142w allows the safety shield 64w to pivot with respect to the needle holder 42w to rotate from the retracted position shown in FIG. 35 to the extended position as described above.

  FIGS. 37-44 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention in which a needle assembly 8000, such as a blood collection assembly having a pivoting safety shield 8064 and a removable cannula shield 8066 that engages the housing 8005. FIG. Is generally shown in a restrained position. In particular, as shown in FIG. 37, the needle assembly 8000 generally has a cannula structure 8032 associated with the hub 8058, and a pivoting safety shield 8064 is coupled to the hub 8058 to secure the cannula structure 8032 after use of the equipment. It is made to shield. Cannula structure 8032 may have a distal needle portion 8002 and a proximal needle portion 8004. Distal needle portion 8002 and proximal needle portion 8004 may be separate needles, both of which are needle cannulas that define an interior of the cannula and a central lumen extending therein. Alternatively, the distal needle portion 8002 and the proximal needle portion 8004 are a single needle and may or may not have an opening between the ends. Proximal needle portion 8004 is the non-patient end of cannula structure 8032, which is provided for puncturing vacuum specimen collection container 0803, as shown in FIG. Proximal needle portion 8004 may be covered by a resilient multi-sample collection sleeve 8008, which can be punctured by the pointed tip of proximal needle portion 8004 of cannula structure 8032. The distal needle portion 8002 is the patient end of the cannula structure 8032 and may be beveled to define a piercing tip for piercing the patient's skin and entering the patient's blood vessel. The patient-side end of the distal needle portion 8002 protrudes at least partially from the distal end 8001 opposite the proximal end 8007 of the housing 8005, and the housing is engageable with the specimen collection container 8003.

  In one embodiment, the housing 8005 includes a hub 8058 having a distal anterior hub portion 8010 and a proximal posterior hub portion 8012 that can support a cannula structure 8032 therein. In one embodiment, the distal needle portion 8002 may be integral with the anterior hub portion 8010 and the proximal needle portion 8004 may be integral with the posterior hub portion 8012. The front hub portion 8010 and the rear hub portion 8012 are structured to engage so as to be fitted. At least one of the front hub portion 8010 and the rear hub portion 8012 has a protrusion, such as a raised annular ring, that engages a corresponding recess integral with the other of the front hub portion 8010 and the rear hub portion 8012. You may do it. In another embodiment, the front hub portion 8010 and the rear hub portion 8012 may be joined with an adhesive or a weld. The assembled hub 8058 has a backflow indicator 8060 defined therein as described above. The hub 8058 may also have an outlet 8061 made of a porous material as described above.

  The hub 8058 may further include a collar 8018 surrounding at least a portion of the safety shield 8064, such as the bearing 8020 for mounting the safety shield 8064, as described above. In one embodiment, the front hub portion 8010 may have a first collar portion 8022 and the rear hub portion 8012 may have a second collar portion 8024. The first collar portion 8022 may have a generally C-shaped region for receiving the mounting bearing 8020 of the safety shield 8064 therein. In one embodiment, the first collar portion 8022 may have a chamfered portion near the C-shaped region for further restraining the mounting bearing 8020 therein. The mounting bearing 8020 may be integral with the safety shield 8064. Mounting bearing 8020 may also be integral with a portion of hub 8058 such as first collar portion 8022 and / or second collar portion 8024. Alternatively, mounting bearing 8020 may be provided separately and then assembled with safety shield 8064 and / or hub 8058. The second collar portion 8024 may have an inner surface that substantially corresponds to the mounting bearing 8020 of the safety shield 8064. With this surface, the first collar portion 8022 and the second collar portion 8024 are When coupled, the safety shield 8064 securely engages the housing 8005 and can pivot with respect to the housing 8005. In one embodiment, the safety shield 8064 can pivot along the longitudinal axis LPivot of the housing 8005 as shown in FIG.

  Referring again to FIG. 37, it is assumed herein that the needle assembly 8000 may comprise a monolithic specimen collection container holder 8011. The specimen collection container holder 8011 may define an interior 8013 in which the specimen collection container 8003 may engage the proximal end of the rear hub portion 8012, as shown in FIG. Optionally, a cover 8017 is placed at the proximal end of the specimen collection container holder 8011, and the cover retains sterility within the interior 8013 of the specimen collection container holder 8011 before use, as described above. Alternatively, the needle assembly 8000 is depicted in engagement with the specimen collection container holder 8011, but in this application, the proximal end of the needle assembly 8000 is in a state in which the specimen collection container holder 8011 is not engaged therewith. However, it can be provided. In particular, the proximal needle portion 8004 of the cannula structure 8032 may be covered with a proximal needle cover as shown and described in FIGS. 21-27.

  Referring again to FIG. 37, prior to use of the needle assembly 8000, the distal needle portion 8002 of the cannula structure 8032 is covered with a cannula shield 8066. Cannula shield 8066 is removably engaged with a portion of housing 8005 such as hub 8058 and is adapted to shield at least the patient end of distal needle portion 8002 of cannula structure 8032. In one embodiment, the proximal portion 8072 of the cannula shield 8066 may have mounting protrusions 8074 that have a plurality of mounting ridges 8076 extending outwardly from the mounting protrusions 8074. A ridge engages the receiving recess 8080 of the distal anterior hub portion 8010 to secure the cannula shield 8066 to the hub 8058. In this configuration, the attachment portion 8074 and the receiving recess 8080 are fitted by frictional interference. In another configuration, the mounting ridge 8076 may be slightly deformed relative to the inner surface 8081 of the receiving recess 8080 to increase frictional interference between the cannula shield 8066 and the hub 80598.

  Referring again to FIG. 37, cannula shield 8077 further includes safety shield engagement means 8090, such as a locking tab receiving structure. Safety shield engagement means 8090 is adapted to releasably engage at least a portion of safety shield 8064 in the restrained position shown in FIGS. 38-47 prior to use of needle assembly 8000. In this embodiment, a portion of cannula shield 8077 and a portion of safety shield 8064 engage to releasably lock cannula shield 8066 to needle assembly 8000 so that cannula shield 8066 can be expected from needle assembly 8000 prior to use. To prevent it from coming off. Thus, in addition to frictional interference between cannula shield 8066 and hub 8058, the releasable engagement between cannula shield 8066 and safety shield 8064 prevents cannula shield 8066 from unexpectedly disengaging from needle assembly 800. This is yet another locking mechanism. In previous needle assemblies, the frictional resistance between the protective cover structure and the base assembly is weakened due to temperature changes and other environmental factors, and the protective cover may come off unintentionally. In the present invention, the releasable engagement between cannula shield 8066 and safety shield 8064 provides another mechanical locking mechanism for further restraining cannula shield 8066 to needle assembly 8000 prior to use.

  As shown in FIGS. 38-47, cannula shield 8066 engages safety shield 8064 when needle assembly 8000 is in the restrained position. In this configuration, the cannula shield 8066 can be removed from the needle assembly 8000 by environmental factors such as temperature changes and the axial force Faxial as shown in FIG. It will not come off.

  As shown in FIG. 42, an optional sterilization label 9007 may be applied between a portion of the cannula shield 8066 and the housing 8005 to indicate that the cannula shield 8066 has not been removed from the needle assembly 8000 prior to use. it can.

  As specifically shown in FIGS. 45-47, the safety shield engaging means 8090 may be a ridge that protrudes back from the outer surface 8091 of the cannula shield 8066, for example, generally upward. Safety shield engagement means 8090 may extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis LCannulaShield of the cannula shield shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 47, the ridge may have a first ridge portion 9008 and a second ridge portion 9010, which are separated by a separation region 9006. In another configuration, the first ridge portion 9008 and the second ridge portion 9010 may have corresponding inclined edges 9012, 9014 that are arranged to face the outer surface 8091. , Separated from the outer surface 8091 by a neck region 9018.

  Referring again to FIGS. 45-47, the safety shield 8064 may be provided with a first subordinate arm 9000 and a second subordinate arm 9002, which are locked with at least a portion of the cannula shield 8066 by press fit. Configured to be In one configuration, the first slave arm 9000 includes a first locking tab 9032, the second slave arm 9002 includes a second locking tab 9034, and the first locking tab 9032 and the second locking tab 9034. Each of which is releasably engaged with safety shield engagement means 8090. In another configuration, the first locking tab 9032 releasably engages the first ridge portion 9008 and the second locking tab 9034 releasably engages the second ridge portion 9010. . Each of the first locking tab 9032 and the second locking tab 9034 may have engagement surfaces 9040, 9041 corresponding to the inclined edges 9012, 9014, thereby providing resistive interference therebetween. In yet another configuration, the engagement surfaces 9040, 9041 are angled upward to increase interference resistance when engaged with the first ridge portion 9008 and the second ridge portion 9010. And may have corresponding sloped edges to face each other.

  The engagement of the safety shield engagement means 8090 of the cannula shield 8066 and the locking tabs 9032, 9034 of the safety shield 8064 is performed in a detent configuration that releasably restrains the safety shield 8064 within the cannula shield 8066. Is called. The detent configuration prevents cannula shield 8066 from unexpectedly disengaging from housing 8005 of needle assembly 8000. The detent configuration is configured to resist disengagement until an upward force is intentionally applied to the safety shield 8064, as shown by the arrow FAapplied in FIG. 46, opposite the cannula shield 8066. Yes. Such an intentional upward force is generally applied by a health care worker pushing with a hand. When such a force is applied, the first locking tab 9032 and the second locking tab 9034 of the safety shield 8064 bend in opposite lateral directions as indicated by the arrow FDefection in FIG. When the first locking tab 9032 and the second locking tab 9034 flex laterally, the engagement of the first locking tab 9032 and the first ridge portion 9008 and the second locking tab 9034 and the second ridge Engagement with the strip 9010 is released and the detent arrangement of the cannula shield 8066 with the safety shield 8064 is disengaged.

  When safety shield 8064 is moved from the restrained position shown in FIGS. 38-47 to the retracted position shown in FIGS. 48-52, the detent arrangement between safety shield 8064 and cannula shield 8066 is disengaged. When the detent configuration is removed, the medical practitioner can remove the cannula shield 8066 from the needle assembly 8000 by manually applying force along the longitudinal axis LCanula Shield of the cannula shield of FIG. When the cannula shield 8066 is removed from the needle assembly 8000, the sterilization label 9007 shown in FIG. 42 is breached, thereby proving that the distal needle portion 8002 of the cannula structure 8032 is exposed, as shown in FIG. .

  When the needle assembly 8000 is moved to the retracted position and the cannula shield 8066 shown in engagement with the needle assembly 8000 in FIGS. 48-52 is removed, the distal needle portion 8002 of the needle assembly 8000 is exposed, As shown in FIG. 53-57, the medical staff can use the blood vessel for the patient. As used herein, “retracted position” refers to the position where the safety shield 8064 has been pivoted away from the patient end of the distal needle portion 8002 of the cannula structure 8032. When the safety shield 8064 is moved to the retracted position and the cannula shield 8066 shown in FIGS. 27-47 is removed, the backflow indicator 8060 defined in the hub 8058 is removed from the health care worker as previously described herein. , And it is visually verified that the distal needle portion 8002 of the cannula structure 8032 and the patient's blood vessel are in contact. As shown in FIG. 58, the sample collection container 8003 can be inserted into the interior 8013 of the sample collection container holder 8011 of the needle assembly 8000 during use of the needle assembly in a medical procedure of securing a blood vessel. As shown in FIG. 58, the outer shape 9050 of the safety shield 8064 and the outer shape 9052 of the housing 8005 substantially correspond to each other, which increases the stability for the user.

  When the needle assembly 8000, particularly the distal needle portion 8002 of the cannula structure 8032, is separated from the patient, the safety shield 8064 may move to the extended position as shown in FIGS. 59-68. The safety shield 8064 is a safety shield around the distal needle portion 8002 of the cannula structure 8032 from the retracted position where the distal needle portion 8002 that is directed toward the patient is exposed. It is possible to move to an extended position shielded by at least part of 8064. It should be noted that the safety shield 8064 can only be moved from the retracted position to the extended position after the cannula shield 8066 shown in FIGS. 37-53 is removed from the needle assembly 8000. Thus, by removing cannula shield 8066 from housing 8005, safety shield 8064 can be moved from the retracted position shown in FIGS. 48-58 to the extended position shown in FIGS. 59-68. Further, the movement from the extended position to the retracted position does not occur automatically when the cannula shield 8066 is removed from the needle assembly 8000; It should also be noted that a downward force must be applied directly to the compression area 9063 to move the safety shield 8064 from the retracted position to the extended position.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 63-64, when the safety shield 8064 is moved to the extended position, the first locking tab 9032 of the first subordinate arm 9000 and the second locking tab 9034 of the second subordinate arm 9002 are shown. Engages and is locked to at least a portion of the housing 8005, such as the forward hub portion 8010, as described above. In particular, the engagement surface 9040 of the first locking tab 9032 and the engagement surface 9041 of the second locking tab 9034 each engage a portion of the housing 8005 and attach the safety shield 8064 to the distal needle portion 8002. It may be fixed firmly around the periphery and substantially immovable.

  As shown in FIG. 65, the engagement surface 9040 of the first locking tab 9032 of the first dependent arm 9000 of the safety shield 8064 engages the first ledge 9073 of the front hub portion 8010, and with respect to FIG. As previously described herein, cannula structure 8032 is at least partially supported. As shown in FIG. 65, the engagement surface 9041 of the second locking tab 9034 of the second subordinate arm 9002 of the safety shield 8064 engages the second ledge 9075 of the front hub portion 8010, and with respect to FIG. As previously described herein, cannula structure 8032 is at least partially supported. In the present application, it is contemplated that the engagement surface 9040 of the first locking tab 9032 and the engagement surface 9041 of the second locking tab 9034 may engage with the backflow indicator 8060. Also, in this application, the engagement surface 9040 of the first locking tab 9032 and the engagement surface 9041 of the second locking tab 9034 are part of the housing 8005, eg, a hub, at a position distal to the backflow indicator 8060. It is envisioned that 8058 may be engaged. The engagement surfaces 9040, 9041 of the safety shield 8064 securely engage the housing 8005 and will not disengage unless maliciously applied. Accordingly, the first locking tab 9032 and the second locking tab 9034 releasably engage a portion of the cannula shield 8066 in the restrained position shown in FIGS. 37-53 and extend as shown in FIGS. 59-68. In position, it securely engages a portion of the housing 8005, such as the front hub portion 8010.

  As shown in FIG. 66, the safety shield 8064 is also deformable, flexing over the cannula structure 8032 when the safety shield 8064 is moved to the extended position by applying a force in the direction of the arrow FExtended in FIG. Needle restraint means 9077 may be provided. When the deformable needle restraining means 9077 engages around the cannula structure 8032, the deformable needle restraining means 9077 flexes when the safety shield 8064 is subjected to a reversing force in the direction indicated by the arrow FReverse in FIG. Resist.

  As described above, in the present application, the housing 8005 of the needle assembly 8000 may or may not include the specimen collection container holder 8011 as shown in FIGS. 37-44. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 69-70, the needle assembly 9080 may have a non-patient cannula shield 9081 disposed around the proximal needle portion 8004 in place of the specimen collection container holder. . This configuration is similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 21-27, except that the needle assembly 9080 has a cannula having safety shield engagement means 8090A, such as a ridge, as shown in FIGS. 69-70. It is a point provided with shield 8066A. As described above, the safety shield engaging means 8090A is releasably engaged with the safety shield 8064A in the restrained position. The safety shield 8064A can be moved from the restrained position to the retracted position, and thereafter can be moved from the retracted position to the extended position as described above. Safety shield 8064A releasably engages cannula shield 8066A in the restrained position and securely engages a portion of housing 8005A when cannula shield 8066A is released from engagement with housing 8055A in the extended position. To do.

  As shown in FIGS. 71-75, the assembly of the needle assembly described herein assembles the first subassembly 9090 and then press-fits the first subassembly 9090 with the second subassembler 9091. It is realized by combining with. The first subassembly 9090 removably engages elements already described herein with respect to FIGS. 37-68, such as hub 8050, distal hub portion 8010, counterflow indicator 8060, cannula structure 8032, hub 8058. Cannulated shield cannula 8066, pivoting safety shield 8064 securely engaged to a portion of hub 8058, and the like. The safety shield 8064 can be moved from the restrained position to the retracted position, and thereafter can be moved from the retracted position to the extended position. Safety shield 8064 and cannula shield 8066 releasably engage them in the restrained position. Safety shield 8064 securely engages a portion of counterflow indicator 8060 and / or distal hub portion 8010 in the extended position. The second subassembly 9091 includes a sample collection container holder 8011 having an interior 8013, as previously described with respect to FIGS. 37-44, in which the sample collection container 8003 shown in FIG. Engage with the end or proximal rear hub portion 8012.

  As shown in FIGS. 74-75, the first subassembly 9090 has a first portion 9092 for press-fit engagement with the second subassembly 9091. The second subassembly 9091 has a second portion 9093 for press-fit engagement with the first subassembly 9090. The first portion 9092 may have a first abutment surface 9094 that engages the first restraining surface 9095 of the second portion 9093. The engagement of the first abutment surface 9094 and the first constraining surface 9095 causes the first subassembly 9090 and the second in the proximal or rightward direction along the longitudinal axis LSub-Assembly shown in FIG. Motion between the sub-assemblies 9091 is substantially prevented.

  As shown in FIGS. 74-75, the first subassembly 9090 has a second restraining surface 9096 for restraining the second abutment surface 9097 of the second subassembly 9091. The engagement of the second abutment surface 9097 and the second constraining surface 9096 causes the first subassembly 9090 and the second in the distal or leftward direction along the longitudinal axis LSub-Assembly shown in FIG. Motion between the sub-assemblies 9091 is substantially prevented. Further, the second subassembly 9091 has a restraining portion 9099 adapted to be received within the neck 9098 of the first subassembly 9090, the first subassembly 9090 and the second subassembly 9091. And may be more securely fixed. The restraining portion 9099 may have an engaging surface 10001 for engaging with the restraining tab 10002. In one embodiment, for the first subassembly 9090 and the second subassembly 9091 to engage, at least one of the first portion 9092 and the second portion 9093 bend and cause interference therebetween. Is required. During engagement, an axial force is applied along the longitudinal axis LSub-Assembly shown in FIG. 74 so that at least one of the first portion 9092 and the second portion 9093 is the first portion 9092 and the second portion. Deflection against the other of 9093. In another embodiment, the engagement of the first subassembly 9090 and the second subassembly 9091 includes a two-stage press fit engagement. In the first stage, during the application of the axial force, at least one first portion of the first portion 9092 and the second portion 9093 is placed on the other of the first portion 9092 and the second portion 9093. It bends against it. In the second stage, while the axial force is still being applied, the second portion of at least one of the first portion 9092 and the second portion 9093 is moved between the first portion 9092 and the second portion 9093. Deflection with respect to the other. For example, the constraining portion 9099 first deflects relative to the first abutment surface 9094 and then flexes relative to the second constraining surface 9096.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 76-79, the engagement means of the first sub-assembly 9090B and the second sub-assembly 9091B may correspond to the corresponding portion 10006 of the second portion 9093B in the first portion 9092B. A portion having locking teeth 10004 for engagement may be included. In this configuration, the first subassembly 9090B and the second subassembly 9091B are engaged in a press-fit manner, with further engagement of the locking teeth 10004 and the corresponding portion 10006 to the proximal or distal. The first subassembly 9090B and the second subassembly 9091B will be further fixed against the force along the longitudinal axis LSub-Assembly of FIG.

  In yet another configuration, as shown in FIGS. 80-83, the first sub-assembly 9090C and the second sub-assembly 9091C are brought about by the press-fit engagement by the first portion 9092C and the second portion 9093C as described above. Moreover, you may fix by the corresponding screwing in the meantime. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first portion 9092C and at least a portion of the second portion 9093 have mating surfaces for threading therebetween. As shown in FIG. 83, the first portion 9092C has a plurality of threads 9194 defined in the second portion 9093C for engaging a plurality of corresponding recesses 9195. As shown in FIG. 83, the first subassembly 9090C and the second subassembly 9091C are press-fitted by an interaction between a series of raised annular ridges and corresponding recesses. May be. In one embodiment, the second subassembly 9091C may extend outwardly within the interior 9113 of the second subassembly 9091C and include at least one raised annular ridge 9100. The first subassembly 9090C may include at least one corresponding recess 9115 defined in a portion of the first portion 9092C and adapted to receive a raised annular ridge 9100 therein. Good.

  In each of the press-fit engagements between the first subassembly 9090 and the second subassembly 9091 as described above, a specimen collection container such as that shown as element 8003 in FIG. 58, respectively, is shown, for example, in FIG. Engaging the proximal end of the hub 8058 and / or the proximal rear hub portion 8012 prevents the first subassembly 9090 from detaching from the second subassembly 9091. The press-fit engagement mechanism is not temperature dependent and is resistant to other environmental changes, thus improving stability over subassemblies that are secured together by adhesive. The above-mentioned press-fitting engagement mechanism also cannot be engaged even when unexpectedly applied with a rotational force, and thus has improved stability as compared with sub-assemblies joined by screwing.

  While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes in these details can be devised with reference to the entire teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, the full scope of which is indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents. It is. Various other embodiments will be apparent to and readily envisioned by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (10)

A first subassembly,
A hub including a backflow indicator and having a distal end and a proximal end engageable with the sample collection container;
A cannula extending between a patient end and a non-patient end to define a cannula interior, the patient end projecting at least partially from the distal end of the hub, the cannula interior being A cannula in fluid communication with the backflow indicator;
A cannula shield removably engaged with the distal end of the hub and shielding at least the patient end of the cannula;
A safety shield that engages a portion of the hub, the safety shield being movable from a retracted position where the patient end is exposed to an extended position where the patient end is shielded by at least a portion of the safety shield. A shield,
A first subassembly comprising:
A second subassembly including a sample collection container holder having an interior within which a sample collection container is engageable with the proximal end of the hub;
A blood collection assembly comprising:
The first subassembly further includes a first portion that is press fit with the second subassembly, and the second subassembly is press fit with the first subassembly. the second portion only including,
The press-fit engagement of the first portion of the first subassembly and the second portion of the second subassembly is when the sample collection container is engaged with the proximal end of the hub. The blood collection assembly prevents the first subassembly from being detached from the second subassembly.   The blood collection assembly of claim 1, wherein the safety shield is configured to pivot between the retracted position and the extended position.   The safety shield includes at least one locking tab, and the at least one locking tab engages safety shield engaging means in a detent mechanism, the detent mechanism unexpectedly causing the cannula shield to be removed from the housing. The blood collection assembly according to claim 2, wherein the blood collection assembly resists disengagement.   The blood collection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the safety shield can be moved from the retracted position to the extended position by removing the cannula shield from the hub.   The blood collection assembly of claim 2, wherein the safety shield is pivotable from the retracted position to the extended position by removing the cannula shield from the hub.   The engaging means of the first part and the second part is characterized in that at least one of the first part and the second part bends and provides interference therebetween. A blood collection assembly as described in. The first part and the second part form a two-stage press-fitting engagement means, and the engagement means of the first part and the second part are the first part and the second part. A first deflection by at least a part of at least one of the parts to provide a first interference therebetween, and by at least a part of at least one of the first part and the second part The blood collection assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second flexure to provide a second interference therebetween.   The at least one portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion include corresponding mating surfaces for threaded engagement therebetween. Blood collection assembly.   The cannula shield includes safety shield engagement means, the safety shield includes at least one locking tab adapted to engage the safety shield engagement means, the locking tab and the safety shield engagement means The blood collection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the blood collection assembly prevents the action of an axial force on the cannula shield and retains the cannula shield around the cannula.   The press-fit engagement of the first part of the first subassembly and the second part of the second subassembly is independent of the first, regardless of temperature, environmental changes, or the action of rotational force. The blood collection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the subassembly is prevented from coming off from the second subassembly.

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